Nissan's next Armada and Murano will reportedly be luxury oriented

Nissan is close to redesigning its Armada and Murano models, Automotive News (subscription required) has learned from dealership officials who attended the automaker's recent meeting. [The Armada was redesigned in 2017 and the Murano in 2015.

News of the Armada's redesign is not a big surprise, as the car's cousin, the Infiniti QX80, has just been redesigned. The new QX80 will go on sale this summer as a 2025 model.

Dealer sources say that the new Armada will be larger in size and feature a more upscale interior incorporating a larger screen. It is also expected to be downsized to the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo found in the new QX80. This engine will produce 450 hp, 50 hp more than the current Armada's 5.6-liter V-8.

The new Murano will reportedly retain the current model's front-wheel drive platform, but will evolve into a more upscale model, albeit an updated version. The Murano is also expected to downsize from the current model's V-6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder and ditch the current CVT in favor of a torque converter-based nine-speed automatic.

Dealer sources also revealed that Nissan plans to add a rugged "Rock Creek" grade to the Rogue compact crossover. The larger Pathfinder received the Rock Creek grade in 2023. It now has a full-fledged off-road version with a tuned suspension, lift-up kit, and all-terrain tires. Power was also slightly increased.

The Rogue is expected to receive the Rock Creek grade this fall and will likely be introduced for the 2025 model year.

In March, Nissan announced plans to bring seven new models to North America over the next three years, including EVs, plug-in hybrids, and a series hybrid that Nissan calls an E-Power vehicle. It also said it plans to update nearly 80% of its existing lineup in North America over the next few years.